Deborah is the most optimistic and forward looking Mum I know and has handled her diagnosis, surgery and 54 weeks of treatment with an amazing heart. She is solo parenting and her two teenagers have held it together remarkably well due to their Mum’s love and care.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, her eldest daughter gained a place at one of the most highly regarded performing arts schools in the country. There was great excitement and Deborah was immensely proud of her daughter’s achievement. They accepted the place. Only her GCSE’s would prevent her from going. Or at least she thought…

Fast forward through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and midway through immunotherapy Deborah is pulling through a very bumpy road.

The reason I am fundraising is that she has been given 54 weeks of treatment and it’s tough for her to work consistently having been ill and having to stay in hospital too. She has a raft of hospital appointments. Looks after herself. Looks after her children. Keeps a roof over their heads and food on the table. Is rebuilding her strength. Rebuilding her career. Rebuilding her life in fact. And she is struggling to hold it all together. I know that the stress and pressure is the very last thing she needs right now.

I want to help her because she has fallen behind with her daughter’s college fees and accommodation. The college has told her that she can’t come back unless her fees are up to date in January. No help with a plan or anything, even though they know how severe the circumstances are. This could happen to any of us and it's tough to see.

Any donations will keep Deborah’s daughter in the place she worked hard to get to, is thriving at and loves passionately. It will be great to relieve the stress and pressure that this brilliant Mum of two is feeling too. Thank you. Chloe x

P.S You can find out more about Deborah's journey through her Instagram page. Just follow the Pink Ribbons! Instagram Story

2018 - one hell of a year

Brutal and savage

You gave many a tear

You came in harsh with a close family death

And continued at pace, unable to catch my breath

A routine check

Thank goodness for our NHS

Gave a cancer diagnosis and left me a mess

But life carried on

And at break neck speed

Children with big exams

I still need, to be able to lead

The weather was stunning and made our hearts smile

Pondering on life’s beauty as I rested a while

The many hospitals, the raft of appointments, the many caring staff

The anguish, the upset, the many many laughs

Clawing through treatments, squashed flat to the ground

And still life carries on, around and around

Oh my gosh for so many caring friends

Holding me up; not letting me bend

Their kindness and caring has blown me away

I don’t know what would happen without them; I don’t know what to say

Some say treatment is preventative

It feels like a curse

Always understanding it could have been so much worse

Cancer disrupts your whole life; it messes your head,

But I feel it has given me more than it’s taken, when all has been said

A love for life, a lack of fear

A fierce strength and caring for those I hold dear

A willingness and understanding for new things I know

Happy to be places I wouldn’t normally go

Treatment will finish this coming June

I can’t just tell you - not a moment too soon

2019 help put me back on my feet

I’ve got places to go and people to greet

I wish for you all love, fun and wealth

Of course most of all take care of your health